Stephens, an independent and family-owned investment bank, has expanded its European capabilities with the addition of healthcare sector specialist Lars Friemann.
An experienced senior banker, Friemann joins Stephens’ integrated global healthcare sector team. Prior to joining Stephens’ Frankfurt-based team, Friemann spent eight years at Harris Williams & Co, where he was a director and founding member of the group’s German operations.
The global Covid-19 pandemic has intensified the spotlight on the healthcare sector, which is set to receive additional investor attention over the coming years. With consolidation in the US healthcare space currently well ahead of Europe, Lars will harness the insights and strength of Stephens’ US healthcare platform to help unlock the significant opportunities available in Europe.
In addition to private equity owned healthcare businesses, Stephens particularly focuses its advisory work on the numerous privately held small and mid-sized medical technology (MedTech) companies in Europe poised for international expansion. With its strong relationships in the US, Stephens well positioned to advise European MedTech companies seeking to access expertise and capital from across the Atlantic.
Digitisation is another likely source of major growth in the years ahead, with Stephens noting a number of rapidly expanding healthcare IT companies within Europe.
Founded in the US in 1933, privately-held Stephens established an investment banking presence in Europe in 2014 – opening offices in London and Frankfurt. Stephens’ growing European team now consists of more than 40 investment banking professionals.
Brad Eichler, Executive Vice President and Head of Stephens’ Investment Banking group, comments: “The addition of a highly regarded professional such as Lars to our Frankfurt-based team further demonstrates our long-term ambitions for Stephens in Europe. Consolidation in the European healthcare sector has only just begun, and the combination of Stephens’ powerful platform and Lars’ intimate on-the-ground knowledge of this space will be essential in capitalising on the numerous opportunities on offer in the years ahead.”
Friemann adds: “Even before the pandemic, healthcare was an established global megatrend – with powerful tailwinds such as ageing populations and technological innovation. Joining a cross-border advisor like Stephens, with its renowned focus on trusted long-term relationships, is incredibly exciting at this pivotal time for the sector.”
